KATHMANDU: Ghatasthapana, the first day of the Dashain, is being observed with much fanfare across the country by performing various rituals as per the vedic tradition.

The compound work ‘Ghatasthapana’ is made of two separate stems – Ghata and Sthapana, the former meaning a ‘vessel’ and the latter ‘installation’ in Nepali.

As per the meaning behind naming of this very day, people install a holy vessel filled with cow dung and red soil in their home and sow maize and barley seed, called ‘Jamara.’

The holy vessels were installed in Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar and the temples of Durga, the Hindu deity of might.

People also worship butter lamps and the symbol of the elephant god (Ganesh) for 10 days in the running.

The 10th day of the Dashain marks Vijayadashami, popularly known as ‘Tika’ when the elder or senior member of a family offers blessings with Tika and Jamara.